Wonders

The National Park Service recognizes Cadron Creek in its Nationwide Rivers Inventory
(NRI) as one of the remaining free-flowing river segments in the United States that are
believed to possess one or more "outstandingly remarkable, unique, rare, and exemplary
features in scenery, recreation, geology, wildlife, fishery and history. Within its 763
square mile watershed the scenery varies from densely wooded shorelines to rock bluffs,
interspersed with agricultural areas. The Cadron flows through a canyon-type terrain
where one can find a good fishery and excellent canoeing and other recreational
opportunities. We invite you to see for yourself the natural beauty of Cadron Creek.

Scenery

The landscape elements of landform, vegetation, water, color, and related factors result in many
notable or exemplary visual features and/or attractions. The scenery and visual attractions of
Cadron Creek are highly diverse and well-known. The great Cadron Creek is the pride of
central Arkansas. Meandering through hills and bluffs, marshes and lowlands, the Cadron
makes a twisting descent in its quest for the Arkansas River. Along its capricious route, young
and old alike have been enticed by its grandeur and its diverse moods.

Recreation

Recreational opportunities are popular enough to attract visitors from throughout central
Arkansas and beyond. Visitors are willing to travel long distances to use Cadron Creek's
resources for recreational purposes. River-related opportunities include, but are not limited to,
sightseeing, wildlife observation, camping, photography, hiking, fishing and boating. As a
canoeing stream, the North Fork is an inviting, pleasant creek with plenty of swift rapids,
surprising curves and placid pools. See

Geology

Within the watershed of Cadron Creek there are
many geologic features and phenomena that are
unique or rare. Characteristics of the North Fork of
Cadron Creek include jagged pinnacles, moss-
carpeted bluffs, hidden caves and grottos and large,
flat rocks lying on its banks. In many places,
Cadron Creek tumbles like a mountain stream,
concealed by high, rocky banks some 200 feet high
and bluffs that alternate from one side of the creek
to the other. Indian Rockhouse, Alum Cave, Illusion
Bluff, and Professor's Pool give proof of nature's
wonders.

Fishing

Populations: The river is a nationally important producer of resident and/or anadromous fish
species. The river provides exceptionally high quality habitat for fish species indigenous to the
region. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lists the Cadron Creek fish population at
nearly 60 percent game fish and of particular significance, is the presence of wild stocks that
are either endangered or particular sensitive to environmental changes. Diversity of species is
an equally important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of Cadron Creek
as being "outstandingly remarkable." See

Wildlife

Cadron Creek and the area within the river
corridor, contains nationally or regionally important
populations of indigenous wildlife species. The
dense and prolific vegetation provides habitat for
turkey, mink, beaver, muskrat, deer, bear and
raccoon. Of particular significance are species
considered to be threatened and endangered
such as the rare Indiana Bats which winter over in
caves hidden in the Cadron Creek watershed .

History

One of the early explorers and settlers of the Cadron Creek
area was John Standlee who found a home here with his sons
in the early 1800s. They built three small cabins and
subsisted entirely on wild game--buffalos, bears, elk, deer and
turkey--and traded at Cadron Town--the first settlement on
Cadron nears its mouth at the Arkansas River. The Osage
were bitter enemies of the early settlers and they were
constantly "harrassed by the savages and tormented by wild
beast. Many historical sites have been restored and
preserved but many others are lost to the wilderness. See

COVE CREEK NATURAL AREA

Arkansas still has places that retain their presettlement character, remnants of the original
landscape. Often these places are home to plants and animals that have become scarce
elsewhere. The mission of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission is to identify and
preserve such lands. In 1976 the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission purchased 228
acres including almost a mile of frontage on Cove Creek near its confluence with Cadron
Creek. Designated as the Cove Creek Natural Area this spectacular gorge has been a natural
attraction for years. Cove Creek Natural Area contains a spectacular gorge cut through
sandstone by the meandering stream, creek-bottom forest, glades of red cedar and five
species of special plants.

CADRON SETTLEMENT PARK

The Cadron Settlement near the mouth of Cadron Creek was an important French Trading post
in the late 1700s. The Cadron Settlement is now a National Historic Site featuring the
Cadron Block House, a replica of a late 18th century structure used as a trading post, public
gathering place and defense post. The 1830 Daniel Greathouse home, a two-room house built of
massive cypress logs, is now a museum. It is a day use park with pit toilets, visitor assistance,
trash container, boat ramp, and hiking trail. Picnic shelters are available for reservation .